Summary Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar apologizes to the Mir Raza judicial commission over interference as the panel resumes proceedings and summons officials and a doctor.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar appeared before the judicial commission investigating the death of young businessman Mir Raza, assuring the commission that the government wants the facts of the case to come to light and the victim’s family to receive justice.
Justice Umar Sial welcomed Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and said that, being a lawyer himself, he would understand the importance of bringing the facts to light. He noted that the minister had spoken about the matter several times and had also approached the Chief Justice regarding the commission.
Justice Umar Sial said the family had concerns and the commission was working to address them. He explained that when family members had separate questions, their lawyer listened to them and raised the questions before the commission.
The judge said there had been interference by the Advocate General’s office, adding that his staff had been told that something improper was taking place in the commission. He said he was angered by the interference.
Ziaul Hassan Lanjar apologized on his own behalf and on behalf of the government. He said Mir Raza was a son of Sindh and the government wanted his family to receive justice. He added that when people lose confidence in the police and investigating agencies, they look towards the courts.
The Sindh home minister said the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court had expressed confidence in Justice Umar Sial and that the government also had confidence in him. He said the government wanted the facts to emerge and that terms of reference had been prepared for the commission.
Lanjar said he and Faryal Talupr also believed that the case needed to be examined properly. He said the standing committee had decided to establish the commission and that the family initially lacked confidence in the process. He also expressed his condolences to the family as home minister.
He assured the commission that the government would provide whatever it required and said the government wanted it to carry out its work without any hindrance. He also apologized for the interference that had taken place.
Justice Umar Sial thanked the minister and said Advocate General Jawad Dero was a very good lawyer. He expressed hope and said he wanted Jawad Dero to remain the Advocate General.
The commission registrar was directed to escort the home minister out respectfully, after which the proceedings were adjourned for 10 minutes.
Justice Umar Sial also appreciated the role of Faryal Talupr, saying that she was a mother herself and could understand the pain of the family. He expressed gratitude to her.
After the break, the judicial commission resumed its regular proceedings. A response to the show-cause notice issued to Dr Usama was presented before the commission. The commission expressed dissatisfaction with the response and summoned Dr Usama in person.
Jibran Nasir told the commission that Mir Raza’s business partner, Ahmed, had made allegations against the commission and that Ahmed’s lawyer had made some revelations in this regard. He requested that Ahmed be summoned again so that he could present anything further he wanted to say.
The commission directed him to submit a formal application, and Jibran Nasir assured the commission that he would do so.
The commission summoned SHO Adil Afzal, Head Muharrir Zeeshan, Dr Samia and Professor Naseem on September 14, while Dr Usama was summoned in person on September 15.
